A gene expression vector useful for protein purification and studies of protein-protein interaction.

This report describes the development of a gene expression vector that adds three features to the C-terminus of the putative synthesized protein: (1) a protein kinase A recognition domain allowing the protein to be radio-labeled in vitro, (2) an epitope marker for immunocharacterization of the protein with a commercial monoclonal antibody, and (3) a (His)6 block facilitating purification of the protein by metal chelating affinity chromatography. These features make it convenient to perform biochemical and functional analysis of the protein of interest.